reductionism
noun/rɪˈdʌkʃəˌnɪzəm/
Frequency rank: #19,660 most common English word
Meaning
The practice of explaining complex phenomena by breaking them down into simpler, more basic parts or principles.

Example sentence
His explanation of human behavior relies on reductionism, reducing complex emotions to simple chemical reactions.
Synonyms & related words
- simplification
- reduction
- atomism
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 19,601–19,700
- preconceptionan opinion or idea formed before having enough information or experience; a preexisting assumption.
- solipsismThe philosophical view that only one's own mind is certain to exist; extreme self-centeredness.
- tribesmanA man who belongs to a tribe, especially a traditional or indigenous one.
- erythrocyteA mature red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body.
- operonA cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter that are transcribed together as a unit.
- transmittanceThe fraction or percentage of light (or other radiation) that passes through a material without being absorbed or reflected.
- diphthonga sound formed by the combination of two vowel sounds within the same syllable.
- ductilityThe ability of a material to be stretched or deformed without fracturing.
- idealizeTo regard or represent something or someone as perfect or better than reality.
- photosphereThe luminous outer shell of a star from which light is radiated into space.